The preparations for the nativity scene exhibition in the Lerchen Castle Museum in Radstadt are almost complete. It will open for the first time on November 30th. The highlight this year is a nativity scene from 1920.
It’s already Christmas at the Lerchen Castle Museum in Radstadt. Curator Rudi Herrmann is in the middle of preparing for the upcoming nativity scene exhibition. The collection of the loving local museum has grown to 20 nativity scenes in recent years. “Every Kripperl is unique and tells a story. The craftsmanship is impressive,” enthuses Herrmann.
Special nativity scenes with lots of details
The nativity scenes are a great passion of the curator. The exhibition shows how versatile this craft can be. The oldest Christmas nativity scene in Radstadt with a depiction of winter can be seen in Lerchen Castle. “The windows were filled with gold paper to make them shine,” says Herrmann, explaining every detail. In the past, there were almost exclusively corner nativity scenes in farmhouses, “because they were set up in the corner of God’s grace.” It is becoming increasingly rare to see box nativity scenes in which depictions of figures, buildings and the environment are made from paper. One such example from Ybbs and another from Forstau, “from the end of the 19th century”, can be seen in Lerchen Castle.
100-year-old nativity scene as a highlight
The highlight of this year’s exhibition at Lerchen Castle is a mechanical nativity scene from 1920. Once opened, the nativity scene plays the melody of a Christmas carol. “Such nativity scenes used to be found mainly in middle-class households. It was only later that they came to farmers,” says Rudi Herrmann. The copy, which is now part of the collection at Lerchen Castle, was sold by his father around 30 years ago as an antique dealer in Altenmarkt. “Now the buyer has come back to me and we have bought them back for the museum,” reports the curator proudly.
The nativity scene exhibition in Lerchen Castle can be viewed from November 30th to December 22nd from Wednesday to Sunday. It is always open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free and there is an opportunity to make voluntary donations.
What is the significance of the 1920 nativity scene in Rudi Herrmann’s exhibition?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Curator Rudi Herrmann
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Rudi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming nativity scene exhibition at Lerchen Castle Museum. It’s exciting to hear that you’re almost ready for the opening on November 30th!
Rudi Herrmann: Thank you for having me! We’re indeed in the final stages of preparation, and the excitement is palpable.
Time.news Editor: I imagine so! This year, you mentioned that the highlight is a nativity scene from 1920. What makes this particular piece stand out?
Rudi Herrmann: The 1920 nativity scene is remarkable not only for its historical significance but also for its craftsmanship. Each figure is meticulously crafted, and the level of detail is astounding. It encapsulates the artistry of that era, which is something we strive to highlight in our exhibition.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a true treasure. Over the years, your collection has grown to 20 unique nativity scenes. Can you share what you believe makes each kripperl special?
Rudi Herrmann: Absolutely! Each nativity scene, or kripperl as we call them, is a unique representation of the Christmas story and reflects the culture and traditions of its time. The craftsmanship varies, but every piece has its own story to tell—whether it’s the materials used or the artistic style. The passion that went into creating these scenes is truly impressive.
Time.news Editor: Passion seems to be a recurring theme in your work. How do you curate and select the pieces for the exhibition?
Rudi Herrmann: I approach curation with a blend of historical research and personal intuition. I want each exhibition to not just showcase the pieces, but to create a narrative that connects visitors with the heritage of the nativity scenes. It’s important to include both well-known pieces and hidden gems that may not have previously received much attention.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! With Christmas approaching, do you think these nativity scenes help people connect with the holiday in a deeper way?
Rudi Herrmann: Definitely! Nativity scenes serve as a visual representation of the Christmas story and encourage reflection on its meaning. In this busy holiday season, they offer a moment to pause and appreciate the craftsmanship and the storytelling behind each scene. It’s a beautiful way to connect with both the holiday spirit and our shared history.
Time.news Editor: With the exhibition opening soon, what are you most excited for the visitors to experience?
Rudi Herrmann: I’m looking forward to seeing how visitors react to the stories behind the nativity scenes. I hope they’ll be able to see the nuances in the craftsmanship and feel the warmth of the traditions that these pieces embody. The joy of Christmas is alive in these collections, and I can’t wait to share that with everyone.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Rudi. It sounds like the nativity scene exhibition at Lerchen Castle Museum will be a wonderful experience. We wish you all the best for the opening!
Rudi Herrmann: Thank you very much! We hope to see everyone there and share in the festive spirit together!